Understanding the impact of gender during gastroenterology postgraduate medical training

Literature from procedural specialties reveals gender differences amongst trainees regarding work-life balance, career goals, and workplace discrimination.

To determine the impact of gender on gastroenterology resident experiences.

A 70-question cross-sectional survey was electronically disseminated to gastroenterology trainees across Canada. Survey questions addressed personal, professional, financial, and training characteristics. Comparisons were made between self-identified men and women. Wilcoxon test was used for continuous variables. Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were applied for categorical variables. Qualitative thematic analysis was applied for short answer responses with 2 independent reviewers.

Forty-four trainees were surveyed, with 41% women. At work, women were more likely to have their clinical competency challenged than men (35% vs 8%, P = .024) and report difficult relationships with support staff (35% vs 0%, P = .001). Most trainees planned to complete further gastroenterology training (86%), but males were more likely to choose therapeutics (36% vs 0%, P = .033). Women more commonly were the predominant caregiver for children (67% vs 8%, P = .012) and felt that having children would slow their career advancement (77% vs 33%, P = .046). Men were more likely to prefer having children during residency (50% vs 7%, P = .036). No statistical difference was found between genders regarding desire for advanced subspecialty training, leadership aspirations, or academic pursuits.

Gender-related differences exist amongst Canadian gastroenterology trainees regarding work-life balance and career advancement. Women may benefit from supports to allow them to meet career goals which are similar to their male peers.